I have been a fixture on the Reading Memorial High School campus for over a year now. When I first arrived, I felt out of place. Some students looked at me with disappointment, “Why is the Victory Bell so small?” Others looked at me with hatred, “That bell was a waste of money. We could have purchased new math textbooks with that money!” While others seemed excited about this new addition to the school. These mixed emotions about my arrival made me feel unwanted.
When they first rung me, I felt proud having a real purpose at the high school. Throughout the year, my confidence began to grow and I felt more comfortable in my new home. Everything was fine until last winter hit. I was abandoned by the students and staff due to snowstorms that seemed to never end. With every school cancelation, I felt lonelier and lonelier surrounded by ever increasing snow drifts. However, this isolation ended eventually when the pile up of snow finally stopped and the students came back; I felt so relieved. When the girls varsity hockey team won the championship, I was rung vigorously and the sound resonated throughout the halls. I no longer felt like the new kid at school.
As the winter sports season ended, and the spring season started up, my usefulness came back. I was rung so many times for numerous celebrations. Whether it was for academic excellence or a track star breaking a record, I felt exhilarated with each loud ring heard throughout the campus.
When my best friend, Mr. Scarpitto, announced that he was retiring, the sadness I felt at the beginning of the year returned. I couldn’t believe that the person who had stood beside me since the beginning was leaving me. Of course, when hundreds of students lined up to ring me at the end of the year, this sadness dwindled, but it was still there and it is still there today.
Without Mr. Scarpitto, I worry whether I will even be used anymore. Will I be rung for each victory in the future that is achieved at Reading Memorial High School? Or, will students vandalize me? Will I be involved in this year’s senior prank? I try to stay positive, but sometimes I wonder...do people even remember that I’m still here?